Republican

My first duty as a judge is to uphold the law and Constitution while protecting our community. But juvenile courts also have a unique opportunity to intervene at a pivotal point in a child’s life. Accountability and rehabilitation are not competing principles. When consistent with the law and public safety, I support diversion, treatment, family services, and alternatives to detention that address the causes of a child’s behavior and reduce recidivism. No child before the court stands alone; strengthening that child can strengthen a family and our community. My goal is to hold youth accountable while giving them a meaningful opportunity to change course.

I support appropriate alternatives to detention when permitted by law and consistent with community safety. Depending on the circumstances, these may include diversion, probation or community supervision, treatment programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, educational services, mentoring, restorative justice programs, and family-focused services. The appropriate response should be individualized, taking into consideration the seriousness of the offense, risk to the community, prior history, the child’s needs, and available family support. Detention is necessary in some cases, but when a safe alternative can hold a child accountable, address the causes of the behavior, and reduce future offending, it deserves meaningful consideration.